CHAPTER 9

His tone changed, and her grip on her glass tightened. That same tone had come out of his mother’s mouth the night before.

“Thiago, I know you since forever… And I know when you hide stuff from me. Please, tell me what else is on your mind? And stop beating around the bush. I am your cousin, after all. We’re family.”

“Are we, Romy? Are we really? Because it doesn’t feel like it these days. I hardly see you outside of formal occasions anymore… You used to be so much fun, darling.”

“Of course, we are family… What kind of question is this? The reason of my disappearing is that I’ve been busy with the education reforms, amongst other things. Come on, Thiago… You know this,” Romaine assured him even though it was a lie.

She avoided him when she could because she didn’t want to hear any more about Alba or the issues at the docks. He sipped the wine again, and she lifted her eyebrow at his grimace.

“Yeah, right… Of course… Those damn reforms of yours. You do realize what i